Optimal lift capacity of a wing with a single tank in warm saltwater

[lexvil]

What is your wing lift swing between the two?

I do have different wings for cold and warm water, though I have not noticed a difference in drag while frog kicking. I primarily use 23/38 lb DRIS wing, which only changes the bladder so it makes sense that I wouldn't feel a change.

I use a 35 in cold water, drysuit, I only use the wind on the surface. Warm water I have an AL outlaw, 12 lb lift.

 

[inquis]

What is your wing lift swing between the two?

I dive a 22 lb wing for single tank diving in both a drysuit and a 3mm wetsuit. The wing compensates for the weight of the air I haven't yet breathed (max of 5 lb in an AL80) and any wetsuit compression (max of 8 lb in my 3mm).

The other main consideration is to be able to float the rig alone, which is only questionable if loaded up with integrated weights.

 

[Blackcrusader]

My other concern would be having reserve buoyancy if needed in an emergency. An 18# wing may be fine for you, but not if you have to bring up a holed BC. 30 to 35 would be good for most.

I have used my SMB to bring up divers who have blown off purge valves and had a damaged bladder. So we always have that redundancy. One diver who blew his BCD at 30m was drifting to the depths when I attached my SMD to his d ring and did a controlled ascent. He did not have an SMB but went out and bought one before his next dive. They make great lift bags I have the wider 6 inch smb that can lift heavy things and I use a nylon cord not the thin smb spool lines.

 

[Eric802]

So I was contemplating a BP/W with a 23lb wing but after reading some threads here, was concerned that it wouldn't be enough lift. Assuming I'm diving warm(er) water, so no more than a 5mm wetsuit and a single tank (and steel backplate), would 23lb be enough? If there's really no difference in drag or anything, I suppose having the extra lift from the 32lb wouldn't hurt anything and might be more versatile in the future...

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

So I was contemplating a BP/W with a 23lb wing but after reading some threads here, was concerned that it wouldn't be enough lift. Assuming I'm diving warm(er) water, so no more than a 5mm wetsuit and a single tank (and steel backplate), would 23lb be enough? If there's really no difference in drag or anything, I suppose having the extra lift from the 32lb wouldn't hurt anything and might be more versatile in the future...

A 23 lb wing is plenty. I have a Sub Gravity aluminum bp & 26 lb wing for diving down south.

 

[RyanT]

It simply slays me that divers try to get the smallest wing possible in the belief that it is going to make one iota of difference to the average recreational diver. In terms of SAC rate, swimming speed, etc. it won't make one bit of noticeable difference.

+1

 

[inquis]

would 23lb be enough?

Yes, it will be fine. As will a 32 lb or anything in between. For single-tank, warm-water diving, it's down to cost, looks, and durability/quality from there, in my view.

 

[Blackcrusader]

It simply slays me that divers try to get the smallest wing possible in the belief that it is going to make one iota of difference to the average recreational diver. In terms of SAC rate, swimming speed, etc. it won't make one bit of noticeable difference.

I dive using the Scubapro Black largest BCD they make. It is not small. I laugh when I get comments that as I have a snorkel on my mask it will create more drag and affect my SAC rate. I have used a wing but I prefer my BCD with it's pockets thanks all the same. It's just that way. I also laugh when people claim I will suddenly improve my sac rate by using a wing. These people get very blank faced when I tell them my sac rate is already less than 8 on most dives. Yeah they didn't expect a recreational diver to know about rmb / sac rate cubic feet and how many liters are in an AL80 or AL100. My perdix must be for show and tell lol

Diving isn't a fast race from point a to b it is for me go as slow as possible from point a to b in a relaxed state.

 

[lexvil]

Just get this, just in case

Scubapro 1110436

The Scubapro S-Tek Donut Wing is constructed of durable 1000D Cordura outer shell and 500D Cordura inner bladder. Improved rounded profile reduces air trapping. Wing features an elliptical EPDM corruga

www.scuba.com

 

[tr3a]

Also depends on where you are diving. I normally dive with a 32lb wing when traveling ( warm water locations).
We have also experienced some very nasty down currents. The worst was actually a vortex in blue water (depth unknown) with no visual references. got pulled down 100+ft with wing inflated, came up partially and pulled down again.
Wished I had my 45 lb wing at that point.
With an AL80 & 3mm full suit I only wear 4lbs on my belt (AL backplate), so not overweighted.

Minimal sized wing/BCD not always the best choice